More detail on this person: His obit is in the
latest issue of the Vietnam Veterans of America
magazine. Gen "EZ" Ware was 68 years old and
died from cancer, at home in Arlington, TX. He
retired in 2003, after a 41-year career - 4 years
in the USMC, 7 years in the US Army, and 30
years in the CA Army National Guard. This information was last updated 05/18/2016
Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters
Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list
Return to VHPA web site
Date posted on this site:
03/10/2024
Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
Gen Ware started as a WO pilot, graduating with
Class 67-7, and served as a gunship pilot in the
61st AHC from '67-'68. He served in many Veteran's
organizations, including the US Army Black
Aviation Association.
His book, "By Duty Bound: Survival And
Repemption In a Time Of War", was published in
2005. He tells of the three weeks, he and another
pilot, spent evading the VC in the jungles, after
they were shot down.
Gen Ware also tells, in his book, of growing-up,
dirt poor, in rural, racist, Mississippi, in the
1950's.
Hand Salute!
From: Don Joyce
I, too, always liked him and I did not know he had
such a great career. I remember when we went
from Wolters to Rucker, he traveled with us and
when we stopped in TX for food, they refused to
serve us, they said the law said they had to serve
him, but they didn't have to serve the whites that
brought him in there. Before I went to the VHPA
convention in San Antonio in '08 I had looked him
up in the directory and saw his address was in
Austin. Since he was so close, I was hoping to
see him at the convention, but he didn't come.
You're right, he was a great guy!
From: Floyd Littlefield
IN MEMORY BG Ezell Ware, Jr., Commanding
General of the United States Volunteers-America,
Inc.
It is with great sorrow that the United States
Volunteers announces that Brigadier General Ezell
"EZ" Ware, Jr., Commanding General of the United
States Volunteers passed away on Tuesday
evening 30 June 2009. Always the consummate
soldier, respected leader, trusted confident,
model of leadership, caring comrade and friend to
those who served with him. Retired Assistant
Adjutant General of the California State National
Guard, completing over 40 years of military
service. He is a decorated Vietnam veteran who
served in the United States Marine Corps, U.S.
Army and the Army National Guard. Brigadier
General Ware is the author of a book titled 'By
Duty Bound - Survival and Redemption in a Time of
War,' in which he recounts his Vietnam
experiences. During the Vietnam War, General
Ware was an Army Cobra helicopter gunship pilot,
was shot down, and evaded capture from the enemy
for 3 weeks. During those 3 weeks of evasion, he
protected and saved his fellow crewmember,
severely wounded, from capture and death. General
Ware rose from the ranks of Private (E-1) to
Brigadier General. After serving an enlistment in
the Marine Corps, he completed the Police
Academy and served as a San Diego Police Officer,
then enlisted in the U.S. Army. Graduating from
helicopter training, he was commissioned and
served in Vietnam. Rising through the ranks,
General Ware completed many professional
development schools including the U.S. Army
Command and General Staff College, Officers Basic
and Advanced Infantry courses, U.S. Air Force Air
War College (with honors), U.S. Army
Pre-Command Course (with honors) and numerous
other professional development programs. General
Ware holds both a Bachelors and a Masters
degree. His military awards and decorations
include the Legion of Merit, 4 Meritorious Service
Medals, 13 Air Medals, 3 Army Commendation
Medals w/ 'V', Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam
Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Campaign Medal,
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), 4 Army
Campaign Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, 3
Armed Forces Reserve Medal and many other
federal and state awards. General Ware is a Life
member in the VFW, Marine Corps League and
Vietnam Helicopters Pilots Association and a
member in other veterans associations such as the
U.S. Army Black Pilots Association and Vietnam
Veterans Association. BG Ware added his
remarkable and impressive background, knowledge
and experience to become one of a select few to
serve as Commanding Officer of the United States
Volunteers. Thank you, General Ware, for your
outstanding leadership and dedicated service to
our country.
From: Roger Lesch